Patient Testimonials

I have nothing but good to say about Dr. Bircher and his entire care team! I was more than adequately educated about and prepared for my surgery beforehand. The entire process from beginning to end went smoothly. Considering what I expected, my pain was controlled and tolerable. I never would have thought in a thousand years that I would be driving again in two and a half weeks and getting around without my walker or cane in four weeks. Sixteen weeks out I feel great! I did not find the pre-surgery and post-surgery exercises at home burdensome in any way and doing them diligently really made my PT sessions productive.

So my left knee feels great after surgery and my right knee feels really good too. I’ll be doing what I can to try to keep it that way but, should my right knee deteriorate in the future I know who to contact to help me and I have no concerns about going through the process again if I have to.

I was bone on bone for years and it was time to get a new knee. Dr. Schmiesing performed the knee replacement surgery and I was walking the same day, with help of staff, who were very helpful and caring. One month later I was back at work and it’s been getting better with every day. TCO has been my go to team to take care of any problems. I will be returning to them for any further help.

I have one word – AMAZING! I have never met a more caring, professional care team all the way around. I had both knees replaced 8 weeks apart this summer. Dr. Arntson walked me through everything and made sure I was comfortable with the plan. The process of scheduling and the EXCEL program is hands down the BEST experience I have ever had. I felt very prepared going into surgery. By 6 weeks on both knees, I was walking without assistance and exceeded my flexion and extension goals. It is not as scary as people make it out to be. For the first time in 25+ years I have no pain. He has changed my life and I will forever be grateful to him and all the care team members!

My husband had two complete knee replacements by Dr. Ridley this year. His choice for orthopedic doctors was the best! Dr. Ridley is not only an outstanding surgeon, but his professionalism and follow up care ranks five stars also. If you’re in need for any orthopedic care, we would highly recommend Dr. Ridley as your doctor!

Dr. James Bircher is a fantastic surgeon. He was very interested in all levels of my health from our first meeting. It has been 3 months since surgery and Dr. Bircher is still following up. The physical therapy department is also very educated, dedicated, and thorough. Three months ago it was hard to do almost everything. Today my knee is 100% better. Thank You Dr. Bircher and TCO!

I had both knees replaced in November and December 2022. In August of 2023, I am walking pain free. For both of my surgeries, Dr. Marcus Mittelsteadt receives a perfect 10. I could not be happier with my results. From the clinics, to the hospital and therapy staff, everyone is knowledgeable and friendly.

Dr. Bircher did revision surgery on May 25, 2023. He replaced a previous total knee replacement. He was thorough in his explanation of the procedure and the inherent risks. The surgery went well and the results border on miraculous. In 6 weeks I was climbing stairs with only minor difficulty and driving. In 8 weeks I was back to work and resuming most normal activities. Thank you Dr. Bircher.

Dr. Bircher is the best! I’d been fighting a knee replacement for years. When I met him in November, I knew my knee was pretty bad. We talked about knee replacement but he could tell I wasn’t ready. He told me I would know when I was ready. That reality hit me in February of this year. I couldn’t have asked for better results after the surgery. I was accepted into the TCO EXCEL Program, which I strongly suggest you try if you are able to. The nursing staff was exceptional at the hospital right after surgery as were the nurses at the Recovery Suites. The EXCEL nurse coordinator kept in contact with me to make sure all was well. Everyone involved was great.

Before I had my surgery, I told Dr. Bircher all I wanted was to be able to come back and tell him that I wish I had done the surgery sooner. I was happy to oblige! I am now scheduled for a total knee replacement on my other knee. I know not all surgeries have the same results but I am counting on Dr. Birchers skill to pull it out! Dr. Bircher always made sure he answered all my questions and spent as much time with me as I needed to feel comfortable. He is concerned, compassionate and very skilled. That is not something you find in too many doctors/surgeons these days. I look forward to a normal life again!

Dr. Bircher performed a full knee replacement in April and upon completion of 12 weeks of physical therapy at TCO Brooklyn Park, I’m back to working out at my health club and enjoying my life again without knee pain. The staff at TCO are totally amazing in working with patients to obtain the necessary range of motion in our recovery.

Dr. Saterbak is one of the best doctors I have seen. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a shoulder or knee replacement. She is very understanding and has time to talk and listen about your aches and pains. She comes up with a treatment plan and is very good at it. 5 stars all the way!